After a tense match, FC Barcelona clinched a hard-fought victory against PSG in Paris. Despite PSG’s early dominance, Barcelona ultimately triumphed with a final score of 3-2. The match was intense, with both teams displaying their strengths, but Barcelona emerged as the deserving winners.
The goals that secured Barcelona’s victory came from Raphinha, who scored twice, and a crucial goal from Andreas Christensen in the later stages of the game. However, PSG managed to put pressure on Barcelona, with a familiar face scoring against his former team. Fortunately, Barcelona’s coach, Xavi Hernandez, made strategic substitutions that helped to maintain Barcelona’s lead and secure the win.
Now, as Barcelona looks ahead to the next leg of the competition at their home stadium, the Montjuic Stadium, they can take pride in their performance and the crucial away goals they secured.
Individual player ratings and comments on performance follow below.
Player Performance and Rating
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 7.5
During the initial forty-five minutes of play, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, the dependable German goalkeeper, displayed an exceptional level of cool-headedness and resilience. His unwavering focus and steady demeanor thwarted any attempts by PSG to breach Barcelona’s defensive line, as he adeptly controlled the ball with his feet and confidently caught any shots directed towards his goal. Ter Stegen’s adeptness in playing the ball and his faultless handling instilled a sense of assurance within the Barcelona defense, laying a solid groundwork for the team’s defensive maneuvers. However, as the match progressed into the second half, a slight decline in Ter Stegen’s agility and reaction time became evident, resulting in a momentary lapse that allowed PSG to capitalize and find the back of the net, consequently influencing Barcelona’s overall performance and eventual outcome in the match.
Joao Cancelo: 7.5
Conversely, Joao Cancelo’s performance throughout the match was a mixed bag of successes and shortcomings. While the Portuguese player showcased his offensive prowess by creating numerous promising scoring opportunities for Barcelona, his decision-making at pivotal moments left much to be desired. On multiple occasions, Cancelo opted to take shots himself instead of exploiting better passing options available to him, squandering valuable scoring opportunities for his team in the process. Despite his undeniable talent and contributions to Barcelona’s attacking play, Cancelo’s inclination towards individual efforts over collaborative team play proved to be costly, underscoring areas for improvement in his overall approach to the game.
Pau Cubarsi: 8.5
Pau Cubarsi, the rising star of Barcelona’s squad, continues to dazzle fans and critics alike with his exceptional performances on the field. Despite Barcelona conceding two goals during the match, the 17-year-old Spaniard showcased remarkable composure and defensive prowess, effectively thwarting the advances of top-tier opponents, including the likes of Kylian Mbappe from PSG. Cubarsi’s ability to keep Mbappe and other skilled attackers at bay reflects his immense talent and potential, earning him well-deserved praise from fans and pundits alike. As he continues to develop and gain experience, Cubarsi’s presence on the field promises to be a key asset for Barcelona’s defense in future matches.
Ronald Araujo: 9.0
Ronald Araujo emerged as an absolute stalwart in Barcelona’s defensive line, delivering a masterclass in defensive play throughout the match. The Uruguayan defender showcased impeccable skill and tactical acumen, effectively neutralizing the threat posed by PSG’s attacking players, including the formidable Kylian Mbappe. Araujo’s commanding presence and ability to shut down opponents with ease were instrumental in Barcelona’s defensive solidity and overall success on the field. His performance was nothing short of exceptional, earning him widespread acclaim and solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest defensive talents in the game. As Araujo continues to hone his skills and assert his dominance on the field, Barcelona can rest assured knowing they have a defensive powerhouse in their ranks.
Jules Kounde: 9.0
Jules Kounde’s performance in the recent match was nothing short of exceptional, warranting a standout rating of 9.0. His ability to contain the formidable Kylian Mbappe, one of the most prolific attackers in the game, deserves particular praise. Kounde showcased a blend of defensive solidity and tactical acumen, frustrating Mbappe’s advances and limiting his impact on the game. Moreover, Kounde didn’t just excel defensively; he also made significant contributions to the team’s attacking endeavors. His ability to seamlessly transition from defense to attack added an extra dimension to Barcelona’s play, further underscoring his versatility and importance to the team’s success.
Frenkie De Jong: 7.5
Although Frenkie De Jong may not have grabbed headlines with flashy moments, his contributions were invaluable, earning him a solid rating of 7.5. Throughout the match, De Jong showcased his trademark qualities of ball retention and composure under pressure. His ability to maintain possession and dictate the tempo of the game provided crucial stability to Barcelona’s midfield, allowing the team to control proceedings and build attacks methodically. While others may have hogged the limelight with goal-scoring exploits, De Jong’s understated yet effective performance was instrumental in laying the foundation for Barcelona’s success.
Sergi Roberto: 6.5
Sergi Roberto’s performance in the recent match yielded a rating of 6.5, reflecting his competent execution of duties on the field. While he didn’t commit any glaring errors, Roberto also didn’t quite rise to the occasion as the differential player Barcelona needed. His performance was solid but lacked the spark and creativity required to unlock stubborn defenses and make significant inroads into the opposition’s territory. Furthermore, Roberto’s booking in the match means he will miss the crucial second leg, adding to the team’s woes and highlighting the need for someone to step up in his absence.
Ilkay Gundogan: 8.5
Ilkay Gundogan once again demonstrated his midfield prowess with a commanding performance that earned him a rating of 8.5. Throughout the match, Gundogan dictated play with authority, pulling the strings in Barcelona’s midfield and orchestrating attacking moves with precision. His vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game were on full display, showcasing why he is considered one of the best midfielders in the world. Gundogan’s pivotal contribution, an assist for Andreas Christensen’s crucial goal, further underscored his importance in shaping the outcome of the match. As Barcelona looks to build on this victory, Gundogan’s consistent brilliance will undoubtedly continue to be a driving force behind the team’s success.
Raphinha: 9.5
Raphinha emerged as the hero for Barcelona, showcasing his prowess with an impressive rating of 9.5. His stellar performance against PSG demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. Despite external factors affecting both goals, it was Raphinha’s clinical finishing that secured two crucial goals for La Blaugrana in moments of dire need. His composure under pressure and decisive contributions were instrumental in securing a vital result for his team.
Robert Lewandowski: 7.5
Robert Lewandowski, although not finding the back of the net, made significant contributions to Barcelona’s performance, earning a commendable rating of 7.5. The Polish striker exhibited physical dominance, causing constant problems for PSG’s defense with his presence both on the ground and in the air. His relentless pressure and formidable skill set ensured that PSG remained on the back foot throughout the match, despite not registering a goal himself.
Lamine Yamal: 6.5
Lamine Yamal endured a quieter night on the pitch, earning a rating of 6.5. Unlike his usual impactful performances, Yamal struggled to make his mark on the game, with some of his decision-making falling short of expectations. The young Spaniard found himself overshadowed by his counterpart on the wing, Raphinha, throughout the match. As one of Xavi’s early substitutions, Yamal’s subdued performance highlights the need for improvement in subsequent outings.
Substitutes:
Pedri: 8.0
Pedri’s return to the field proved to be a masterstroke by Xavi, earning him a well-deserved rating of 8.0. His introduction as a substitute injected much-needed energy and creativity into Barcelona’s play. Pedri’s sensational assist to Raphinha reignited Barcelona’s attacking prowess, showcasing his ability to unlock defenses with precision passing and vision. Furthermore, his presence on the field instilled a sense of control and confidence in La Blaugrana, highlighting his importance to the team’s success.
Joao Felix: 7.0
Joao Felix, brought on as a replacement for Lamine Yamal, made an immediate impact with a rating of 7.0. The Portuguese forward dazzled with his skillful play, leaving PSG defenders bewildered with his quick footwork and cunning maneuvers. Felix’s ability to outwit opponents and create scoring opportunities added a new dimension to Barcelona’s attack, further emphasizing his potential to influence matches positively.
Andreas Christensen: 7.5
Andreas Christensen’s performance earned him a commendable rating of 7.5, despite picking up a booking that will sideline him for the second leg. The Danish defender emerged as a hero for Barcelona, connecting impeccably with Ilkay Gundogan’s precise delivery to head home the decisive goal. Christensen’s defensive prowess and timely contribution in front of goal proved pivotal in securing Barcelona’s victory, underscoring his importance to the team’s success in crucial moments.